Half marathon in May

I've begun training for a half Marathon. For the first time in my adult running life, I'll be following a specific training plan. I've chosen SmartCoach from the Runner's World web site. In past years, I've either trained totally haphazardly, or at best I've used the Daniels Running Formula for determining training pace. I didn't actually follow the Daniels plan, though; I might run a tempo run when I felt like it, or do repeats when I thought it might be fun.

For a runner like me (i.e., really slow, and not well-trained), I think it's more important to pick some plan - any plan - and stick to it, rather than trying to pick the perfect plan.

You can find training programs all over the internet. The Brookings Marathon web site lists a number of them.

Half marathon report

I had an enjoyable half marathon yesterday. The weather was perfect. I was a little worried about wearing my Brooks Green Silence shoes, since I hadn't run all that much in them, but they were fine. By the end, a toe or two felt a little hot, but I didn't get any blisters. My left knee feels just a little tender today, but I don't attribute that to the shoes. At my low level of training, I don't think any shoes would have prevented that.

Those shoes are definitely attention-getters. A number of people remarked on them.

I saw two marathoners wearing Vibram FiveFingers; one wore Classics and the other wore Sprints. I didn't get a chance to talk to them, but judging by their tattoos, they were both triathletes.

Many thanks to Russell, who ran with me. His wife, Mary, alas, was unable to run because of a foot injury. Also thanks to the staff and volunteers for the race -- everything was just right.

Registered for a half marathon

The Brookings Marathon, Half Marathon, and Relay is about seven and a half weeks away. A short time ago I had all but decided to wait until later in the year to run a long race. I can't possibly be ready by the middle of May. My better judgment is telling me to just run a 5- or 6.2-mile leg in the relay like I have for the last ten or so years.

But I registered for the half anyway. I'm not sure what changed my mind. It's going to be a big challenge, which is something my running hasn't had for a number of years. I'm excited about it, and more than a little worried.